Owen Foxwell Remains a DP at the Phoenix

Owen Foxwell will return to the Phoenix as a development player after signing a one-year deal for NBL23.

Foxwell, also known as 'Foxy', showed Phoenix and NBL fans what he had in his bag over the last few games of the NBL22 season.

His poise was on show during Throwdown XVI, in front of the biggest crowd of the year in Melbourne; he entered the game early and had an immediate impact.

As surprised as Phoenix fans were to see Foxwell enter the game, commentator Andrew Gaze was shocked, asking why Foxwell was in the game so early. Foxwell's answer was to hit a corner three with his first touch, to which Gaze exclaimed, "well, I guess that's why he's in the game."

"A large part of why I decided to sign on for NBL23 was I loved the professional environment I was involved in; every day, I loved coming to training and competing against professionals, especially as a young kid," Foxwell said.

"The development and progress I made as a player and a person drove my desire to sign on. And I am excited to be at the Phoenix again!"

In the few games he played, Foxwell averaged two points, 0.5 assists, and 1.5 rebounds.

"I learnt a lot from the last few games of the season; it gave me a good sense of what it is like to play at the NBL level, not just at training. The intensity and the pace of the game are higher, and it was good to understand and experience what it is like for my development as a player and an athlete," he said.

(Foxwell making a statement with shooting a three in Throwdown XVI.)

The local Bulleen basketballer waived his commercial rights last season so he could pursue a college pathway in the US.

"I had a few offers from colleges, but no offers that fit perfectly for me. When it came down to college over the NBL, the NBL was the best choice for me, and I am excited to be coming back again.

"The game time I received impacted my decision, but I also enjoyed the environment that the Phoenix provided. The confidence Simon, the club, and the rest of the staff have in me was also great. Those factors made me love my year, and I was keen to come back after last season," the 19-year-old said.

Phoenix head coach Simon Mitchell was thrilled to see 'Foxy' remain a Phoenix player.

"I think it's fair to say he fully met and superseded all of our expectations, and we are thrilled to be bringing him back," Mitchell said.

"It's always great to see a local kid step up to the challenge of professional sport, and I feel these are the first steps in a long and successful career for Owen."

(Coach Mitchell is thrilled to have Foxwell back at the Phoenix.)

The focus for Foxwell during NBL23 is to build upon his skills and ultimately help the team to a championship.

"For NBL23, I hope to further develop as a player and a professional to get to the level of a fully contracted player. More importantly, I hope to help contribute to the team winning a championship this year," he said.

"If it's pushing guys on the practice floor or contributing in some games, I hope I can be an asset to the team in some way or another," Foxwell said.

Foxwell is excited to be a Phoenix player for another year and is eager to meet more of the Phoenix fans in the NBL23 season.

"For the Phoenix fans, I am excited to see you all again and hopefully meet some people I didn't get to meet last season due to covid restrictions. But I am excited to see you guys again," he said.

(Foxwell is excited to be back at Phoenix and eager to meet and get to know Phoenix fans.)

Foxwell joins contracted players Mitch Creek, Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff, Reuben Te Rangi, Dane Pineau, Junior Madut and Gary Browne.

NBL23 Memberships

Phoenix Media (1/7/22)